An MYB114-like transcription factor in Nelumbo nucifera could positively regulate anthocyanin accumulation together with NnTT8

Flower color is one of the vital characteristics that determine lotus’ ornamental value. Previous studies have documented that anthocyanins are the main pigments responsible for the red color of lotus petal, which is also beneficial for human health. But the regulation mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis remains elusive in lotus. Here, an MYB transcription factor gene NnMYB114-like was screened from lotus genome, which is phylogenetically close to AtMYB114 , with some homologs of other plant species being reported to positively regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis. NnMYB114-like was shown to be located in the nucleus and could interact with NnTT8. The role of NnMYB114-like was further proved to promote anthocyanin accumulation in transgenic Arabidopsis . In addition, co-expression of NnMYB114-lik e with NnTT8 could enhance their role on regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Transcriptomic analysis between the wild-type and the transgenic Arabidopsis showed that NnMYB114-like may activate the expression of structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. These results enrich the regulatory mechanism of lotus petal pigmentation, and might facilitate in breeding lotus cultivars with new flower color. • NnMYB114-like was homolous to AtMYB114 and possiboly played a role on positively regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis. • NnMYB114-like could interact with NnTT8 to enhance anthocyanin accumulation. • NnMYB114-like conld bind to the promoter of NnUFGT and active its expression, leading to promot anthocyanin biosynthesis.